Irori (pronounced ih-ROHR-ee) is a god of enlightenment and self-perfection. His followers claim that he was once a mortal who achieved absolute physical and mental perfection and thus attained divinity. He is one of the core gods of, if not the most powerful deity of, the Sakuran pantheon.

Stories told in Shima no Sakura recount Irori's quest for enlightenment and ultimate ascension to divinity. His nephew Iko remained active in Sakura, and indeed Alhara, to watch over it's people after Irori ascended to Nirvana.

Irori respects that other deities are different spiritual beings and that what is correct for him may not be so for them. As such, he tries to avoid interfering with other divine beings unless they threaten his work or his people.

Irori sees no need to distort or embellish upon his being. When he appears his avatar is that of a male of flawless physique and serene expression. He appears much as his followers depict him, often sitting or in meditative stance.

Irori holds enlightenment and the quests for knowledge and self-perfection of both body and mind above all. As such sentient creatures are more associated with his faith than any animals or beasts.

Chem Chem
This favored servant of Irori is an intelligent celestial white tiger.

Sixth Rebirth
This favored servant of Irori is a dour stone giant monk.

The Old Man
Appearing as an elderly human male of uncertain ethnicity, with a dexterity and strength far beyond a mortal of his build, The Old Man is Irori's herald.

Irori is worshiped by all who seek enlightenment and self-improvement, he has many temples in Sakura and in Laminia, as well as monastaries at all over Alhara.

Irori's priesthood consists primarily of clerics and monks. Priests are responsible for mentoring others as they try to attain self-perfection either by guiding followers or through rigorous testing and trials. Each must follow their own slightly different path to enlightenment but there is little infighting among Irori's followers.

Temples are usually sprawling complexes, featuring rooms for prayer, sleep and exercise, where the faithful train night and day, an endless quest to achieve perfection and purify their ki, or life-force. They are not generally open to the public, and petitioners are asked to wait quietly outside and not disturb those who are meditating within.